Torch igniting apparatus



Mitch 28, 1939T y f 1 -v. ARoNsoN 21,152,451

YTORCH IGITINGAPPARATUS Y Filed March 9, 1936 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 IM, M LM ATTOR EYS March'28, 1939. L. v. ARoNsoN TORCH IGNITING APPARATUS v2 sheets-sheet 2 Filed March 9, 1956 l l 1 l l 1 .l 1 r lll/l.. 711.

nNvENTQR Louis VAronson a 2a.( ATToRN Ys Patented Mar. 28, 1939 UNITED STATES TORCH IGNITING APPARATUS Louis V. Aronson, Newark, N. J., assignor to Art Metal Works. Inc., a corporation of New Jer- Application March 9, 1936, Serial No. 67,760

2 Claims.

My invention relates to pyrophoric lighting mechanism of the type comprising a torch which is disposed in the path of a shower of pyrophoric sparks to thereby produce a freely burning flame.

My invention has further reference to a novel method. of relating or positioning a torch in the path of a shower of pyrophoric sparks so as to effectively and advantageously produce a flame, as aforesaid.

My invention has further reference to a pyrophoric lighter constructed and arranged to cause impingement of the pyrophoric sparks upon the actuating torch in a novel manner.

Various other objects, advantages and features of myA invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

My invention resides in the pyrophoric lighting mechanisms, features, arrangements and combinations of the character hereinafter described and claimed.

For an understanding of my invention and for an illustration of some of the many forms thereof, reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of pyrophoric lighting mechanism as constructed in accordance with my invention;

Fig. 2 is a plan view, with parts removed, of the mechanism shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view, partly in elevation, of the mechanism shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary, vertical sectional view, partly in elevation, of the mechanism illustrated in Fig. 3 with some of'the parts shown in dif- 35 ferent positions;

Fig. 5 is a transverse sectional view, partly in elevation, and is taken substantially on the line 5-5 of Fig- 3 looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 6 ls a vertical sectional view, partly in elevation, showing a form of ratchet mechanism;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary, vertical sectional view, partly in elevation, showing a modified form of the invention;

Fig. 8 is a horizontal sectional view taken on the line 8-8 of Fig. 7 looking in the direction of the arrows; l

Fig. 9 is a vertical sectional view, partly in elevation, showing ratchet mechanism utilizable with the form of the invention shown in Figs. 7 and 8;

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view, partly in elevation, showing another formof the invention;

Fig. 11 is a transverse. vertical sectional view,

partly in elevation, and is taken on the line I I-I I of Fig. 10 looking in the direction of the arrows; Fig. 12 is an elevational view, partly in vertical section, of the mechanism shown in Fig. 10; and Fig. 13 is an elevational view of the mechanism illustrated in Fig. 12 with some of the parts shown in different positions.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 3, F represents a fuel casing with which, in any suitable manner, is associated a main casing M, this main casing being detachably supported, if desired, upon the fuel casing in the manner hereinafter described and both of said casings being formed from suitable sheet metal, or equivalent.

The fuel casing F may be of such suitable configuration as desired. As herein shown, this fuel casing comprises a bottom wall I having adhesively secured thereto a. layer 2 of felt or the like which is adapted to rest upon any suitable supporting surfacel As illustrated, the fuel casing F comprises side wall structure 3 of suitable configuration, the latter being spanned by a top wall 4. This fuel casing, as is customary in the art, is filled with suitable absorbent material 5, such as cotton, and access to the interior of the casing for fuel replenishing purposes may be had by way of an opening in the bottom wallI, such opening being normally closed by a closure cap 6.

Supported, preferably, in detachable relation on the main casing M is a cover plate 1 which, in the manner hereinafter described, forms a support for the various parts of the lighting mechanism. To this end, the cover plate 1 is provided with a rst pair of spaced standards 8, 8a projecting upwardly, said cover plate 'I being also provided with a second pair of standards 9a, 9b projecting downwardly, the standards last noted, in the form of the invention herein shown, being disposed interiorly of the main'casing M.

Horizontally supported on the standards 9a, 9b is a fixed pin or member I0 on which a pinion I I is mounted for free rotatable movement. The pinion I I comprises a hub I Ia extending along the member lil, this hub supporting a wheel I 2 which has its outer peripheral face serrated or roughened as indicated. Further, as shown, the member I0 supports a spacing collar I3 which maintains the serrated wheel I2 and associated ratchet parts in assembled relation on the hub IIa as indicated in Fig. 6. As illustrated in Fig. 3, the hub IIa of the pinion Il is provided, on its periphery, with a plurality of pockets I Ib having sloping surfaces as shown, each of these pockets receiving a metallic rod I4, or equivalent. As will readily be understood, the rods I4 coact with'v the'interior curved surface of the serrated wheel I2 and the adjacent surfaces of the hub I Ia connect these parts together so as to produce rotative movement of the wheel I2 in a counterclockwise direction, Fig. 3, when the pinion Il is rotated in the same direction.

The arran/gement described immediately above is a preferred arrangement for imparting unidirectional rotative movement to the serrated wheel I2. und er theiiniiuence of the pinion Ii.: However, it shall be understood that thev inven tion is not to be thus limited because, if deaired, there may be substituted other ratchet ar-I rangements for accomplishing this purpose. Y Coactable with the serrated wheel '|2 is a pyrophoric element I5 which, in part, projects from a. tube I6 anchored Vin horizontal position in' any suitable manner. Thus, for example and as herein shown, said' tube Il may be supported and secured adjacent one of its ends in a 'dependingl section 9 of the cover plate 1 and also in an exterior flanged section 1b of said cover plate 1.

The tube I6, as shown in Fig. 3, contains a helical spring I1 which, by a cap member I8, is maintained under compression to a suitable degree so as to bias the pyrophorlc element I5 into engagement with the serrated wheel I2,

The above described standards 8, 8a horizontally support a pin or member I8 on which an actuating lever and an actuated lever 2| are pivoted. 'I'he actuating lever 2li comprises a cam section 20a and a depressed section 20h" with which the end of a torch T is adapted to engage as hereinafter described. The actuating lever 20 also comprises an arm 20c which projects downwardly through a slot in the cover plate 1 and terminates interiorly of the main casing M, said arm 20c comprising a stop section 20d. As shown, the lever arm 20c has secured thereto one end of a helical spring 22, the other end of said spring being suitably anchored in a fixed position, as by attachment to a member 23 secured to and projecting downwardly from the tube I6.

The actuated lever 2| comprises an arm which extends upwardly through a slot or passage 1c of the cover plate 1, this ann being provided with gear teeth 2|a which are disposed in. meshing relation with respect to the pinion II. Further, the actuated lever 2 I comprises a latching section 2lb adapted to engage the adjacent edge of the cover plate 1 at the slot 1c. Still further, the

actuated lever 2| comprises a beveled section 2 |c adapted to be engaged by the cam 20a in the manner hereinafter described. The lever 2| is biased in a clockwise direction by a helical spring 24, one end of which is connected to said lever .2| and the other end of which is connected to the arm 20c .ofthe actuating lever 20.

As shown on the drawings, a casing 25 is secured to the top surface of the cover plate 1 and this casing forms a housing for the standards 8,

8a, the supporting member I9 and those parts 20h remains continuously on the exterior of said casing 25.

The various parts of the herein described mechanism are disclosed in Fig. 3 as occupying their normal respective positions. When thus.

positioned, the spring 22 maintains the actuating lever 20 in its most advanced counter-clockwise position. At the same time, the spring 24 mainsans the mening section 2lb ofthe actuated lever 2| in engagement with the cover plate 1 as shown in Fig. 5. Under such conditions, the various parts are in condition for manual operation by the torch T.

This torch may be of suitable .character as desired. Thus, for example, said torch may be as disclosed in my pending application Serial No.

37,645, filed August 24, 1935 and, if so, the torch comprises a handle; sectionv 26 from 'which depends a sleeve 21utilizable as an-enclosure for a wick 28 and a rod 29, the lower end of said wick 'and rod projecting from the sleeve 21 as shown in Figs. 3 and 4.

As described in my pending application Serial No. 30,063, med JulyG, 1935 and as illustrated in Figs. 1, 3 and 4, al tubular member 30 is anchored in a nut member or bushing Il which is suitably secured to the top wall 4 of the fuel casing F, the tubular member 30, therefore, providing a passage which communicates with the interior of said fuel casing F. 'Ihe cover plate 1, when positioned on the main casing M as Shown in Figs. 1-5 inclusive, is provided with an opening through which the tubular member 30 freely extends, the upper end of said tubular member 30 being exteriorly threaded for the reception of a clamping nut 32.

In the same general manner as Ydescribed in upon the top surface of said main casing M.l

When these various parts have been properly arranged in assembled relation, the upper end of f said tubular member 30 extends above the cover plate 1 and, accordingly, the nut 32 may be threaded to said tubular member 30 to` thereby secure the main casing M and the cover plate 1 i in assembled relation with respect to each other and with respect to the fuel casing F.

As shown particularly in Fig. 3, the torch T is disposed in its vnormal position as extending downwardly through the tubular member 30. When thus positioned, the lower end of the torch wick 28 is disposed within the fuel casing F so as to be in fuel-absorbing relation with respect to the fuel contained therein. Preferably, said lower end of the torch wick is received within a tubular structure, not shown, which extends vertically within the fuel casing as more fully described in my aforesaid pending application SerialNo. 37,645, led August 24, 1935. Y

When the mechanism of Figs. 1-6 inclusive is to be operated, the torch T is Withdrawn from its normal seating position as shown in Fig. 3 and the lower end of the torch rod 29 is disposed in engagement with the section 20h of the actuating lever 20. Then, by the application of downward pressure, said actuating lever 20 is moved in a clockwise direction, Fig. 3, with resultant storage of energy in the springs 22 and 21|.A Even though energy is thus stored in the spring 24, the actuated lever 2|, at this time, does not move clockwise, Fig. 3, underthe influence of said stored energy because the latching section 2lb of said lever 2| is in engagement with the adjacent edge of the cover plate 1,` Fig. 5. During continued movement of the actuating lever 20 in a clockwise direction, Fig. 3, the cam section 20a thereof engages the beveled section 2Ic of the actuated lever 2l to thereby move said lever 2| slightly in a lateral direction so as to disengag'e the latching section 2lb Yfrom said cover plate 1. When this happens, the energized spring 24 becomes effective to suddenly swing the actuated lever 2| in a clockwise direction, Fig. 3, with the result that the gear teeth 2Ia impart a step of rotative movement in a counter-clockwise direction, Fig. 3, to the pinion II. By the described ratchet mechanism, the pinion II causes the serrated wheel I2 to move therewith in a counterclockwise direction, Fig. 3, to thereby produce a shower of sparks which are projected upwardly through the slot 1c of the cover plate 1. As clearly appears from a consideration of Fig. 4, these sparks are projected in the general direction of the longitudinal axis of the torch whereby the charge of fuel carried by the lower exposed end of the torch wick 28 is ignited in an efficient manner to produce a freely burning ame.

The torch T, immediately after ignition thereof, is removedfrom the section h of the actuating lever 20 so as to be used in a desired manner for ignition purposes. Immediately thereafter, the various parts are automatically returned to their respective normal positions under the influence of the spring 22. That is, as clearly appears, this spring 22 rotates the lever 20 in a counter-clockwise direction from the position thereof shown in Fig. 4. In so doing, the lateral section 20d of said lever 20 engages with and causes the actuated lever 2| to move in a. counterclockwise direction, Fig. 4, until said lever 2| reaches its normal position as shown in Fig. 5 wherein the latching section 2lb of the lever 2| is in engagement with the cover plate 1. At this time, the lever 28 comes into engagement with a suitable stop surface such as is presented by a surface of the housing and, when this occurs, the various parts are in their normal respective positions and in condition for subsequent operation when desired.

The form of the invention illustrated in Figs. '7, 8 and 9 is generally the same as that described above in connection with Figs. 1-6 inclusive. However, the mechanism illustrated in said Figs. '7, 8 and 9 embodies an arrangement of a different character from that heretofore discussed for imparting movement to the serrated wheel I2.

Thus, as shown, movement of the actuated lever 2| of Fig. '7 is resisted solely by the pressure exerted on the serrated wheel I2 by the pyrophoric element I5 under the influence of the spring I1. In other Words, the arrangement of Figs. '7, 8 and 9 does not include a latching section 2Ib, or equivalent, for temporarily restraining movement of said actuated lever 2 I Accordingly, when the actuating lever 20 of Fig. 7 is depressed by the torch to effect clockwise ,movement thereof, the section 20d of said lever 20 recedes from the actuated lever 2| and, during such action, energy is stored in the spring 24. However, at this time, movement of the serrated wheel I2 does not occur by reason o-f the braking effect applied thereto by the spring I1. Eventually, during continued movement of the lever 20 in a clockwise direction, Fig. 7, the upper section thereof comes into engagement with the upper end of the lever 2| to impart slight movement thereto. In response to such impulse of movement, the braking effect of the spring I1 is overcome and the energized spring 24 becomes effective to swing the lever 2| with a snapping motion in a clockwise direction, Fig. '7, whereby a step of rotative movement is imparted to the serrated wheel I2 to thereby project sparks upwardly into engagement with the torch which is now resting on the depressed section 2Ilb of the lever 20 whereby the charge of fuel carried by the torch wick 'is ignited.

Upon removal of the torch T from the lever 28 shown in Fig. '7, the various parts automatically return to their normal respective positions, this being accomplished under control of the spring 22. Thus, in the general manner heretofore described,V the lateral section 20d of the actuating lever 20 engages the lever 2| so that both of the levers 20 and 2| move in unison under the control of said spring 22 whereby the parts return to normal position as shown in Fig. 7. During this operation, the actuated lever 2| moves in a counter-clockwise direction, Fig. '7, to thereby rotate the pinion II. in a clockwise direction, Fig. '7. Due to the presence of the described ratchet arrangement, the serrated wheel I2 remains stationary during the last described movement of the lever 2|.

The form of my invention illustrated in Figs; 7 and 8 comprises a modified form of support for the pinion I I, the serrated wheel I2 and the parts directly associated therewith. Thus, as shown,

these various parts are supported by a bracket- 4the pyrophoric element I5 may exert only a slight pressure on the serrated Wheel I2. If so, the action may be somewhat different than described immediately above since, as will be understood, the lever 2| of Fig. '7 may be released before it is engaged by the lever 20. That is, said lever 2| of Fig. '7 will be released to rotate the pinion II as soon as the spring 22 overcomes the spring 24.

Referring to the form of my invention illustrated in Figs. 10-13 inclusive, the main casing M is shown as having a cover plate 40 secured thereto by a clamping nut 4I. Depending from the cover plate 40 is a hollow housing 42 with which a xed frame member 43 is associated. This frame member 43 serves as a support for a horizontal pin or member 44 on which a pinion 45 is supported for free rotatable movement, this pinion comprising a hub 45a on which a serrated wheel 46 is journalled, a suitable ratchet arrangement comprising the rods 41, or equivalent, being utilized for clutching the wheel 46 to the pinion 45. As shown in Fig. 11, a spacing washer 48 maintains these various parts in assembled relation. Coactable with the serrated wheel 46 is a pyrophoric element 49 which projects from a tube 58 anchored in the aforesaid frame member 43. As well understood in the art, the pyrophoric element 49 is biased into engagement with the serrated wheel 46 by a spring, not shown.

The aforesaid cover plate 40 is provided with an opening which is alined with the space defined by the housing 42. Slidable through this opening into said housing 42 is a member 5I having, above said cover plate 40, a laterally extending member 52 provided with a depressed section 52a adapted to receive the lower end of the actuating torch, said member 52 also comprising an actuating section 52b utilizable as hereinafter dey after described. The rod 44 seats upon and is secured to the angular end 56a of a member 55 which extends upwardly in flush engagement with one iiat face of the housing 42. The member 56 is provided with upper and lower elongated slots 51, the upper slot 51 being alined, when the member 5B is in. its upper position, with a slot 51a in the adjacent fiat face of the housing 42. Through the upper slots 51 and 51a, a screw 51h is threaded into the member 5|. Through the lower slot 51, a screw 51e is threaded into the housing 42. As clearly shown in Fig. 10, the member 56 comprises a projecting section 56h equipped with rack teeth for engagement with the aforesaid pinion'45.`

In accordance with the invention, a lever 58 is pivoted at 59 to one face oi the housing 42, this lever 58 comprising a section 58a extending upwardly through the cover plate 40 so as to be engageable with the actuating section 52h of the member 52. The lever 58 further comprises a downwardly extending section 58D adapted, when biased to the position shown in Fig. 12 by the spring 59, to engage a lateral section 56o of the member 56. The various parts are shown in Fig. as occupying their respective normal positions.v When the mechanism is to be actuated, the torch T is removed from its seat and the lower end of said torch is engaged with the depressed section 52a of the member 52. Thereupon, by the application of downward pressure, said torch T' moves the member 5I downwardly and stores energy in the springs 53 and 55. During such initial downward movement of the member 5 I, the member 56 remains stationary by reason of the fact that the lateral section 56e thereof is engaged` by the latching section 58b of the lever 58. Eventually, as downward movement of the mem- Yber 52 continues, the actuating section 52h thereof comes into engagement with the section 53a of the lever 58 whereby said lever is swung in a counter-clockwise direction, Fig. 12, to' thereby release the lever latching section 58h from the extension 56o of the member 56. As soon as this action has been effected, the spring 55 becomes free to expand and, in so doing, the member 56 is moved downwardly with a snapping action to thereby rotate the pinion 45 in a counter-clockwise direction, Fig. 10. By action of the described clutching mechanism, the serrated wheel 46 partakes of similar counter-clockwise movement, Fig. 10, whereby a shower of sparks is directed upwardly through an opening 40a in the cover plate 40. These sparks engage and ignite the charge of fuel carried by the wick at the lower end of the torch T as the latter rests upon the member 52. When the torch has thus been ignited, it may be removed from said member 52 and utilized as desired.

As soon as the torch T is thus removed from the member 52, the spring 53 becomes effective to restore the various parts to their normal positions. In so doing, the member 5l, under the control of the spring 53. is elevated to the position shown in Figs. 10, 11 and 12, said member 51, through the upper screw 51h, carrying the member 55 and rod 54 upwardly therewith. When the member 56 reaches its upper position, the lever 58 swings clockwise from the position thereof shown in Fig. 13 so as to again come into engagement with the section 55e of said member 55. At this time, the various parts are again in their normal positions in condition for subsequent operation.

While the invention has been described with respect to certain particular preferred examples which give satisfactory results, it will be understood by those skilled in the art after understanding the invention, that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and it is intended therefore in the appended claims to cover all such changes and modifications.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

l. Pyrophoric lighting mechanism comprising a fuel receptacle, a sparking device including a rotatable Wheel, a pyrophoric {metal member bearing against said wheel, means comprising a movable actuating member for operating said sparking device, and a manually aetuatable torchv engageable with said actuating member to move the same and thereby produce a shower of sparks which move along a path tangentially related to said wheel, said torch comprising a wick which is held by said actuating member for movement substantially longitudinally of said path of the sparks and substantially in the opposite direction taken by said sparks.

2. Pyrophoric lighting mechanism comprising a casing having a top wall, a sparking device interiorly of said casing, an actuating member disposed above said top wall, means connecting said sparking device and said actuating member, a torch engageable with said actuating member to move the same with respect to said top wall, said torch carrying a charge of fuel which is ignited by sparks projected upwardly along a path extending through an opening in said top wall, said torch and the charge of fuel carried thereby moving substantially longitudinally of said path of the sparks and substantially in the opposite direction taken by said sparks, and a delayed-action spring in which energy isstored during initial movement of said actuating member for actuating said sparking device.

LOUIS V. ARONSON. 

